Advances in PTSD Treatment Delivery: the Role of Digital Technology in PTSD Treatment

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health disorder affecting about 7% of the general population during their lifetime. PTSD typically has a chronic course, is often comorbid with other psychiatric disorders, and negatively impacts functioning and quality of life. This review examines the evidence for several digital technology–based applications being used to deliver PTSD interventions, including video telehealth, Internet-based interventions, virtual reality exposure therapy, and mobile apps. A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the use of video telehealth, Internet-based interventions, and virtual reality exposure therapy for PTSD. Relatively few RCTs have investigated mobile apps for PTSD. Evidence reviewed shows that PTSD therapy delivered by video telehealth is as good as that delivered in person, but samples were almost exclusively comprised of military veterans. Internet-based interventions as well evidence strong support for their use. There is strong evidence for virtual reality exposure therapy as well, but it is limited by small samples mostly of male military service members and veterans. Lastly, the evidence for mobile apps is promising but inconclusive given the lack of published full-scale RCTs. The implications of these findings for future research directions and clinical practice are discussed.